A SECURITY camera must be properly repositioned when a shopping area is refurbished.

That's an order from borough planners, who have approved the council's scheme to improve Marina Walk.

They were adamant the CCTV camera, which covers the shopping area leading to the en-trance of the Port Arcades, is not obscured in its new location.

It is presently fixed to a vacant unit, No 24, which will be demolished to make way for a two-storey store.

The planners report says: 'Owned by the borough council, the camera provides coverage for the whole of Marina Walk.

'But No 24 is one of two vacant shop units that are to be demolished.

'A CCTV camera is essential in this location to deter anti-social and criminal activity.

'So it is reasonable to impose a condition relating to relocating the camera as part of the refurbishment works.'

They add: 'Landscaping proposals, which involve seven semi-mature trees in planters, could have a detrimental effect upon the efficiency of CCTV coverage in the area.

'A planning condition needs to be imposed regarding landscaping proposals to ensure the correct balance is achieved between visual amenity and tackling crime and disorder.'

Under the scheme, work including re-paving, lighting and tree planting will be carried out from the pedestrian area by the Post Office to the Port Arcades entrance, then between Little-woods and Wilkinsons, down to Iceland and in front of all the shops in that stretch of Marina Drive.

Criticisms of the refurbishment came from a few of the nearby shops, saying trees could obstruct the highway and the street lighting was 'inad-equate'.

Another complaint was that removing the weather protection for shoppers, without having an adequate replacement, was 'inappropriate'.

However, summing up the scheme, the report says: 'The visual amenity of Marina Walk, coupled with the general comfort of shoppers, will be enhanced through these proposals.

'It is hoped they will have a positive impact in strengthening the vitality and viability of this part of the town centre.'